It said: 'Bryony was born on April 28, 1997, just a few moments before her twin sister with whom she was extremely close.

'Together they would explore sailing, scooter riding, and they were glider pilots. Bryony achieved excellent GCSE and A level results and went on to study Geography.

'She was gregarious with excellent social skills and had a good relationship with all ages.

'She had been in a happy relationship for three years with her boyfriend, Kurtis.

'She was someone who laughed all the time. She knew it was good for the soul and lived her life with a smile.

'She saw the beauty with the world and wanted to explore it. We love her and will miss her very much.'

Ms Pember then addressed the family and told them: 'Thank you for coming and I'm truly sorry for your death.'

At the time, Sophie paid tribute to her sister on Facebook, writing: 'There's nothing I wouldn't do to have you back - my beautiful Bryony xxxx.

'You were the most vibrant, passionate, happy person I have ever known, enthusiastic about absolutely everything. I will endeavour to live my life the best I can for her.'

Boyfriend Kurtis said: 'You were more than just my partner, you were my best friend and over our three years and three months we had together I've grown into a much better person, simply through knowing you.'

Just a day before Bryony's death German tourist Christoph Ralf Sigloch, 55, drowned off the coast of the same island.

He had gone out to sea to bring his sons back to shore amid strong waves.

Ko Chang, also known as Elephant Island because of its elephant shaped headland, is Thailand's second largest island after Phuket. It is approximately 429 square kilometres in size.